Congressmen comment on extra security at public events

CEDAR RAPIDS (KWWL)-- The news of the tragedy in Tucson hit close to home for Congressman Dave Loebsack when he heard about Congress woman Giffords. Both were elected in 2006 and both served in the Armed Services Committee in Washington.

Congressman Loebsack heard the news of his fellow member in congress on Saturday and he still decided to go forth with his community visit in West Branch, Saturday.

He says in the last few years he has also gotten threats from the public, but wasn't really concerned.

"Over the course of the last few years, of course, we have had bad emails and phone calls, but we took the necessary precautions on the campaign trail." said Dave Loebsack, (D) Iowa.

The congressman says he plans to be aware for future community visits.

"Of course we are going to have to go through a reassessment and re-evaluation of security not just for me, but for my family and for the staff obviously. I don't intend to change how I do business though."

Loebsack says meeting with the public is an important part of his job and he really isn't the only politician to believe this, on the federal and state level.

"Those of us elected are one half of this process and you are the other half. For this to work you need dialog." said Sen. Charles Grassley, (R) Iowa.

"That sure is a tragedy that will impact congress. I meet people all the time at coffee shops and grocery stores. I don't plan on using any extra security. I really don't think I we can support that." said Bob Kressig, (D) Cedar Falls.